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VERMICOMPOSTAN ECOFRIENDLY ORGANIC FERTILIZERThe use of compost can make a crucial contribution to the maintenance and improvement of soil fertility. Composting is an ancient method of organic fertilisation used in agriculture and gardening. Worm compost (also known as vermicompost, from vermis, the Latin for worm) is an especially high-grade and nutrient-rich fertiliser. This black substrate is what remains of organic matter after being broken down by micro-organisms, and especially by worms.What exactly is vermicompost?

Worm compost is one of the highest-grade and most nutrient-rich natural fertilisers in the world. Its soil conditioning properties and plant-strengthening effect encourage the growth and yield of the plants. Characteristics: similar to the soil found in deciduous woodlands and mixed forests black, odourless and crumbly substrate balanced nutritional composition for plants it contains an above average number of micro-organisms which revitalise the soil loose yet stable soil structure (clay-humus complexes) absolutely free from all types of synthetic chemical additives Conversion processes: Accelerated conversion of organic waste matter by micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi) and by compost worms The worms coat the organic material with their mucous excretions which contain micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi etc.) microbial pre-decomposition The worms convert the pre-fermented composting material into worm humus, along with mineral substances Worm humus is high in micro-organisms, enzymes and nutrients.Ideal supplier of nutrients bonded in clay-humus complexes, good plant availability Cold composting (at temperatures below 50C) Plant nutritionists encouragement of soil fertility Worm humus acts as an appetiser for plants, increasing their capacity to absorb water and nutrients Earthworm humus contains the essential nutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphor (P) and potash (K) in much larger quantities than are present in the soil or in comparable compost. This makes it richer than mature manure or garden compost During the course of composting, the ratio shifts in favour of N The C/N ratio of mature compost should be below 20. The higher the proportion of nitrogen in compost (primarily organically bonded nitrate and ammonium), the better, this complex process is performed by the worm in its gastrointestinal tract.) Vermicompost is a nutrient rich compost which:Helps better plant growth and crop yield

Improves physical structure of soil.

Enriches soil with micro-organisms

Increase water holding capacity of soil.

Enhances germination, plant growth, and crop yield.

Improves root growth of plants.

Enriches soil with plant hormones such as auxins and gibberellin like substances. (These plant hormones are essentially secondary metabolites secreted by good bacteria)

Sr. NoTEST CONDUCTEDRESULT1pH7.962E.C (ms / cm)2.663P2O51.25%4K2O0.80%5N4.48%6ORANIC CARBON17.40%7ORGANIC MATTER30%8ASH70%9C:N3.8810CHLORIDES2.80%11SODIUM0.80%12CALCIUM1.52%13MAGNESIUM1.20%14BORON0.01%15SULFUR0.20%16IRON5100 PPM17COPPER36 PPM18ZINC118 PPM19MANGANESE132 PPMANALYSIS OF VERMICOMPOSTReduced use of water for irrigation as application of vermicompost over successive years improved the moisture holding capacity of the soil. Reduced pest attack (by at least 75%) in crops applied with vermicompost. Cauliflowers grown on vermicompost remains 95% disease free. Late Blight (fungal disease) in banana was almost reduced by over 95%. Reduced termite attack in farm soil especially where worms were in good population.Reduced weed growth.Faster rate of seed germination and rapid seedlings growth and development. Greater numbers of fruits per plant (in vegetable crops) and greater numbers of seeds per ear (in cereal crops), heavier in weight-better in both, quantity and quality as compared to those grown on chemicals. Fruits and vegetables had better taste and texture and could be safely stored up to 6-7 days, while those grown on chemicals could be kept at the most for 2-3 days. Wheat production increased from 35 to 40%. Fodder growth was increased by nearly 50% @ 30 to 40 quintal/hectare. Flower production (commercial floriculture) was increased by 30-50% @ 15-20 quintal/hectare. Flower blooms were more colorful and bigger in size. IMPORTANT FEEBACK FROM FARMS WHERE VERMICOMPOST IS BEING USEDEFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON SEED GERMINATION

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON RESPIRATION INTENSITY OF SUBSTRATE

PEST RESISTANCE

CONCLUSIONS AND REMARKSEarthworms vermicompost work as a slow-release fertilizer and also protect plants against pest &diseases.With their continued application the organic nitrogen & other nutrients in compost tends to be released at constant rate from the accumulated humus and the net overall efficiency of NPK over a period of years is considerably greater than 50% of that of chemical fertilizers. Availability of phosphorus is sometimes much greater.Vermicompost will also be a recipe to restore the degenerated & chemically contaminated soils of world agricultural ecosystems resulting from the heavy use of agrochemicals in the wake of green revolution.Use of vermicompost would significantly reduce or even replace the use of dangerous agrochemicals.Reduce the demand of water for irrigation and pest & disease control, thus benefiting the farmers and the economy and ecology of the nation in every way.